BMW M3 vs. Chevrolet SS
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW M3 and Chevrolet SS contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW M3 and the Chevrolet SS.
In comparing the BMW M3's and the Chevrolet SS's specifications and ratings, the BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The Chevrolet SS has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the BMW M3's and the Chevrolet SS's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2017 BMW M3 ranges from $35,713 to $56,994 while a used 2017 Chevrolet SS is priced between $33,449 to $54,134.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW M3’s base engine makes 425 horsepower, and the Chevrolet SS base engine makes 415 horsepower. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 411 miles. The SS is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 414 miles.This gives the BMW M3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Chevrolet SS the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet SS has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW M3, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear head room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$64,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$39,910
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$21,065 - $64,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$46,625
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$46,213
Price Range:
$35,713 - $56,994
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$22,554
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$12,380 - $46,213
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
25
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52,576
# Good or Great Deals:
6
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$43,475
Price Range:
$33,449 - $54,134
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
11
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
45,612
# Good or Great Deals:
4
BMW M3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Chevrolet SS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
4.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.7 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet SS
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.9 - 9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
BMW M3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 12Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 31Chevrolet SS Rankings
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW M3 Trim Levels
Base
Chevrolet SS Trim Levels
Base
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
425 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 1850 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.120 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
415 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.104 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 26 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
269 / 411 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
6.2 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 22 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
263 / 414 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Cargo Space:
16.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
106.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3540 lbs
Width:
80.2 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
183.9 inches
Wheelbase:
110.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3997 lbs
Width:
74.7 inches
Height:
57.9 inches
Length:
195.5 inches
Wheelbase:
114.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/40R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Azurite Black Metallic / Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Tanzanite Blue Metallic / Yas Marina Blue Metallic
Brown
Smoked Topaz Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Orange
Sakhir Orange II Metallic
Silver
Champagne Quartz Metallic / Silverstone Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Yellow
Austin Yellow Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black Metallic
Blue
Slipstream Blue Metallic
Brown
Not available
Gray
Nightfall Gray Metallic
Orange
Orange Blast Metallic
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
Heron White
Yellow
Not available
Green
Regal Peacock Green Metallic
Red
Red Hot 2
Interior Colors
Beige
Sonoma Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Amaro Brown / Cohiba Brown/Black / Golden Brown / Nutmeg
Gray
Anthracite/Black / Silverstone
Orange
Sakhir Orange/Black
Red
Sakhir Orange/Black
White
Opal White
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Jet Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available